The fastest way to know what type of account you have
Look at your bank statement or log into your online banking portal — the account type is printed right there, usually near the top or in the account details section. It will say "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" or sometimes "Checking" and "Savings". If you have multiple accounts, each one will be labeled separately.
If you cannot access your statement or online account, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them your account number, and they will tell you the account type in under a minute. You do not need to know anything else — just the account number.
The reason this matters: checking and savings accounts have different rules about how often you can withdraw money, what fees apply, and what interest you earn. Knowing which one you have prevents surprises when you try to move money or when fees show up on your statement.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank statement or online account dashboard displays the account type in the account details section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm if you do not have access to your statement.
- Checking accounts are designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals, while savings accounts limit how often you can withdraw.
- The account type determines what fees you may face and whether the bank pays you interest on your balance.
Where to find the account type on your statement
Paper statements list the account type at the top of the first page, usually in a box labeled "Account Information" or "Account Details". Look for a line that says "Account Type:" followed by either "Checking" or "Savings". Some banks also print it next to the account number.
Online statements work the same way. Log into your bank's website or mobile app, go to your accounts page, and click on the account you want to check. The account type appears in the summary section, often with a small icon — a checkbook for checking, a piggy bank or lock for savings. If you see multiple accounts listed, each one will have its type labeled separately.
If your statement is very old or from a different bank, the layout may vary slightly, but the account type will still be somewhere in the opening section. If you cannot find it after checking the top and the account details area, move to the next method.
How to check through your bank's website or app
Open your bank's website or app and sign in with your username and password. Look for a section called "Accounts", "My Accounts", or "Account Summary" — this is usually in the main menu or on the home page after you log in.
Click on the account you want to check. A details page will open showing your account number, current balance, and account type. The type is often displayed as a label or tag next to the account name. Some banks show it as "Checking" or "Savings"; others may say "Checking Account" or "Savings Account".
If you have trouble finding it, look for a link that says "Account Details", "Account Information", or "Settings" within that account's page. The account type is always there — banks are required to make it clear which type of account you hold.
What the difference looks like in practice
A checking account is built for everyday spending. You can deposit money as often as you want, write checks, use a debit card, and withdraw cash at ATMs without limits. Most checking accounts do not pay interest on your balance. Banks may charge a monthly fee if you do not keep a minimum balance, though many checking accounts have no monthly fee at all.
A savings account is built for storing money and earning interest. You can deposit money anytime, but federal rules limit you to six withdrawals per month (though many banks have relaxed this rule in recent years). Savings accounts pay interest, meaning the bank pays you a small percentage of your balance each month. The tradeoff is that you cannot use a debit card or write checks from a savings account.
Some banks offer hybrid accounts like "money market accounts" that sit between the two, but the vast majority of personal accounts are one or the other. If your account type says something unusual, ask your bank what rules apply to it.
What to do if you have both checking and savings
Many people have one of each at the same bank. Your statement or online account page will list both separately, each with its own account number and type label. The checking account is where you spend money; the savings account is where you keep money set aside.
When you transfer money between them, it usually happens instantly online or through your bank's app. You can move money from savings to checking anytime, but moving from checking to savings counts as a deposit, not a withdrawal, so there is no limit. The withdrawal limit only applies to money leaving the savings account.
If you are unsure which account a particular transaction came from, check the transaction history for each account separately. Your bank's app usually lets you filter by account, so you can see exactly which account each deposit or withdrawal touched.
Contacting your bank if you still cannot find it
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready (it is on your card, statement, or in your online account). Tell the representative you need to know whether your account is checking or savings.
They will confirm it in seconds. You do not need to explain why you are asking or provide any other information. If you have multiple accounts and are unsure which is which, give them each account number one at a time and they will tell you the type for each one.
Some banks also let you chat with a representative through their website or app. This is often faster than calling if you are already online. The answer is always the same — it takes less than a minute.
Why banks sometimes make this confusing
Some banks use non-standard names for their accounts. You might see "Premium Checking", "Student Checking", "Interest-Bearing Checking", or "High-Yield Savings". These are still checking or savings accounts underneath — the extra words just describe features or who the account is for.
The account type (checking or savings) is what matters for the federal rules about withdrawals and interest. The name is just marketing. If your statement says "Premium Checking", it is still a checking account and follows checking account rules. If it says "High-Yield Savings", it is still a savings account, just one that pays more interest.
When in doubt, look for the word "Checking" or "Savings" in the account name or type field. If the name is completely unclear, your bank's customer service line can tell you in one call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account from checking to savings or vice versa?
Most banks will not convert an existing account. Instead, you would open a new account of the type you want and transfer your money over. Some banks let you close the old account immediately; others require a waiting period. Call your bank to ask whether they can convert it or whether you need to open a new account.
What if my account type is listed as something I do not recognize?
Call your bank and read them exactly what your statement says. They will tell you whether it is a checking or savings account and what rules apply to it. Banks sometimes use regional or product-specific names that are not standard, but every account is ultimately one or the other.
Does the account type affect my debit card?
You can only use a debit card with a checking account. If you have a savings account, you will not have a debit card for it. Some banks issue debit cards only for checking accounts even if you have both types. If you need to access your savings account, you transfer money to checking first or withdraw cash at an ATM using your checking card.
Will switching banks change my account type?
No. When you move to a new bank, you choose what type of account to open — checking, savings, or both. Your old account type has no effect on what you open at the new bank. You simply decide what you need and open that account.
What if I have an old account I have not used in years?
Log into your online account or call your bank to see what type it is. Unused accounts are still checking or savings accounts and still follow the same rules. If you want to close it, your bank can do that over the phone. If you want to keep it, you may need to make a deposit or withdrawal to reactivate it, depending on your bank's policy.